Scottish Elises

My S1 has spat-the-dummy, it refuses to start! I have not started it in a couple of weeks, now when I turn the ignition on it lights up, the fan starts for a few seconds, as it is supposed to, then the dash lights go out and the dash alam light is flashing. I turn the key to start, but nothing, not even a click sound! Thus I don't think it's the battery.

So I guess it's an immobiliser problem? Any suggestions where to start?

It's the cobra immobiliser....

The fan is not supposed to start for a few seconds - I suspect you're hearing the fuel pump prime.

Try this:

Handbrake on, neutral.;

Remove ignition key and wait for alarm light to flash.

Press button on fob to clear alarm and then turn ignition on.

You should hear the fuel pump prime.

Now leave the ignition key where it is, pop the boot lid and use a length of wire to connect the big stud on the back of the starter (nearest the boot wall) to the spade terminal at the 6 o'clock position (you'll need to remove the plug that's pushed onto that spade terminal).

The engine will turn over and probably start.

Next, with the engine stopped and the ignition on, alarm cleared as above, get somebody to turn the ignition switch and see whether you can hear a faint click from the engine bay that follows the key - i.e. turn the key to start, you get a click, let go of the key, you get a second click. That's the start relay in the MFRU working.

If the engine turns over on the hot wire and the MFRU clicks when you turn the key then the chances are it is the immobiliser system or immobiliser relay or a wiring fault.

Cheers,
Robin

Cheers Robin,

I will try it tonight and will report back

The car has a fan controller which puts the fans on for a second at startup as a check.

Just a thought....If it is the immobiliser (which I suspect it is as it has the "alarm" light flashing all the time.....Then how do I get rid/immobilise...the imobiliser??

Is this a very difficult thing to achieve?

have you tried the stick thing ?

You can bypass the immobiliser relay in the boot but if the immob is totally goosed you will also need to get your ECU either unlocked so that it has no code, replaced with an ECU that doesn't have a code (e.g. an Emerald) or you'll have to replace the immob with a spare and then get the ECU+new immob code matched.

Lotus can do the code matching or there are mail order businesses that do it ... search for "MEMS1.9 5AS code matching" or similar.

Cheers,
Robin

Cheers, the cars is on emerald will report back

Phew - found the MFRU thing, unplugged it (it's filthy!) cleaned connectors and replugged it, clicking sound and away she goes!

Many thanks!! Bloomin Lotuses!!!